A note on urinary Cd, Cr, Mn and Pb, in students of the University of Agriculture Makurdi, Nigeria

Abstract

A preliminary investigation of heavy metals exposure of students of the University of Agriculture, Makurdi in Central Nigeria involved AAS analysis of urine from ten (10) of the students (five each of female and male volunteers). Results indicate that the concentrations of Cd, Cr, Mn and Pb showed no discrimination between female and male students. In general the concentration of these metals was in the order Mn > C r > Pb > Cd, at levels that raise some concern about the health risks associated with heavy metals, for the subjects. It is concluded that these students are or have been exposed to the same or similar sources of these heavy metals.